“Reminded To Remember!”

      I just can’t believe that we are already two months into 2010!  Spring is just around the corner and we are still buried in snow...almost record amounts!  February 17th was Ash Wednesday.  It was a typical day of the week and just another day on the calendar.  But this day is significant because it ushered in the Lenten season which, hopefully, will “remind  us to remember!” This period of time will “remind us to remember” the crucifixion and the resurrection of our Lord!    

     Commonly referred to as Lent, this time of the year is similar to the Advent season just before Christmas.  Advent “reminds us to remember” the birth of Jesus and the beginning of the fulfillment of John 3:16.  Lent “reminds us to remember”  the greatest act of sacrificial love in human history, the cross and the greatest victory for mankind, the resurrection!  

     Recognizing the great importance of these events the early church set aside time periods (Advent & Lent) to “remind us to remember” both the birth and the resurrection of Jesus.  These times help us to prepare our hearts to absorb the full benefits of what God has done for us. 

     The Lenten season is the 40 days before Easter, not counting the Sundays, as they represent the resurrection.  These 40 days are set aside for personal contemplation, repentance and prayer.  Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Lenten season and many churches have a service of humility and repentance on this day.  Participants will have ash placed on their forehead symbolizing that attitude.  The Bible describes people depicting their brokenness with sackcloth and ashes.  During this time we are “reminded to remember” the price Jesus paid for our sins to be forgiven.  We are reminded to walk in the love of God and obedience to His word.   

     During this time I challenge you to “give something up” for Lent.  A few days ago I got an email asking me where in the Bible it tells us that we should do this. I explained that the Bible does not tell us to do it.  But, I challenge you to do it as a way to be “reminded to remember!”  I  like to challenge you to do this as a way to help you remember what our Lord has done for you!   I have done this for years and “giving something up” for Lent puts Easter into perspective the same way the 4th Gift puts Christmas into perspective! So I want to challenge you to “Try it, you’ll like it!”  Some people give up coffee, coke, ice cream, desserts, a favorite television  show, etc.  One man in our congregation always gives up his favorite morning cereal, Cheerios!  (Note: It is not fair to give up spinach...or broccoli...or work!)  The idea being that when you crave this favorite thing you will be “reminded to remember!” You will be “reminded to remember”, if only infinitesimally, what Jesus gave up for you!  And then, after 40 days of  being “reminded to remember,” Easter Sunday is more exciting than ever and the joy of the resurrection takes on a whole new meaning! Wow!      

     Can’t wait to see you Sunday!   Come expecting someone to be added to the Box Score!  And remember, I love you!  Pastor Curt   (This article is a re-write of a previous article regarding Lent.)